Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Google Reader Bytes the Dust - Google Reader is being turned out to pasture on July 1, 2013

Google Reader Blog - Powering Down Google Reader

"...

We have just announced on the Official Google Blog that we will soon retire Google Reader (the actual date is July 1, 2013). We know Reader has a devoted following who will be very sad to see it go. We’re sad too.

There are two simple reasons for this: usage of Google Reader has declined, and as a company we’re pouring all of our energy into fewer products. We think that kind of focus will make for a better user experience.

...

Thank you again for using Reader as your RSS platform."

Thank you, but screw you too, I guess. Wow, does this really sour me on Google. I really need a server based RSS sync repository. My feeds are too active and I don't want to leave my feed reading running 24x7 just to keep up. If someone spins up a service, even a fee based one, I'm in. I'd have paid Google too if I had that option...

4 comments:

ClickOk said...

Greg, I share your pain! For now, I'm trying NetVibes, but looks really slow! If you get some alternative, let us know!

Tom M said...

I'm with you on this - now I'm reconsidering all my Google usage - this was a killer app as far as I'm concerned...

I've been looking at alternatives, not just to reader, but also for GMail and Calendar... Right now, I think there's a strong case for taking control back and running my own services, and not trusting any big company with my everyday apps...

Greg said...

Yeah I hear you Tom. Thinking the same thing. This story of relied apon cloud service being nuked by the provider is starting to get old and it's going to get older in the coming years...

Brenton House - Digital Strategist said...

I am equally bummed... I have become very dependent on Google Reader!

I am trying out Feedly right now. Right now they read from Google Reader but they are going to supporting the api and have a seamless transition to their service. (if you join before July 1st.)

oh, and it is free...